People are always looking for ways to reduce their energy intake safely to help lose or manage weight. Fasting has been a part of many religions and cultures for centuries and is not surprising it is becoming a part of the norm now. Intermittent fasting (IF) means reducing or not eating at all during certain days of the week or times during the day.
For example, eating normal for 5 days and then heavily restricting energy intake on 2 days OR eating all your energy intake within a 6–8-hour period during the day.
Pros of Intermittent Fasting (IF)
- Evidence shows that IF is as effective but not superior to a standard reduced energy diet for weight loss
- May be more appealing for individuals that struggle to eat in a patterned distribution
- May also encourage a more mindful approach to eating by being more attuned to hunger and fullness cue
Cons of IF
- IF focuses mainly on quality (energy counting) rather than quality (variety of foods)
- Whilst being at a healthy weight is good for health, its only one measure of health and not the be all end all
- It’s not suitable for everyone such as children, teenagers, chronic conditions
- Also have unpleasant side effects such as fatigue, feeling foggy, affecting mood, constipation, and headaches
It is important for individuals with SCI to promote healthy weight maintenance or loss for a healthy weight range. When trying to achieve this by eating a well-balanced nutritious diet it is important to remember your health goals and try to adapt to a lifestyle that promotes long term sustainability and a dietary approach that you can adhere too. We are all different and no one size fits all when it comes to eating. While IF may suit some people and I encourage anyone to try it if they have not done so before, however, it is not a magic bullet that will improve overall health.
This week’s recipe: A delicious recipe that can provide a heap of energy and nutrients which might be a good idea if you are trying out an intermittent fasting routine. This chicken and vegetable dish has quite a rich sauce that will leave you wanting more!
If you have any questions about your diet or would like one-on-one dietary advice from your Able Dietician, send us a message letting us know what you’re after and we’ll be in touch to help you achieve your goals!
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